Our Agency Staff

American Adoptions Staff

The dedicated staff members at American Adoptions have decades of experience in adoption. With backgrounds in social work, counseling, business and media, our staff can help you on your adoption journey every step of the way. Additionally, many of our staff members have personal adoption experience as adoptees, birth parents and adoptive parents.

All of our clients will be matched with an Adoption Specialist, who can help them with any questions during the adoption process. Read our staff bios below to get to know the faces and learn the heart of America's adoption agency.

Shawn Kane - Executive Director, MBA

Hello, as Executive Director, I help to provide education, guidance and support to our clients and staff throughout the adoption process. Since we may never meet in person, I'd like to tell you a bit about myself! Since 2000, I have worked with adoptive families and pregnant women, handled marketing and advertising efforts and continue to help lead, organize and train our staff. The adoption field is very rewarding. Adoption is challenging and complex, and you never really stop learning new things about it. My passion for adoption has grown through the years, and more recently, I have become a proud adoptive father to my daughter Claire! I admire and respect any person who considers adoption. Adoption takes special people making choices for the best interest of a child. Each adoption is a miracle in action!

E-MAIL: shawn.k@americanadoptions.com

Megan Kautio - Assistant Executive Director, LBSW

I have worked at American Adoptions since 2000 as an Adoption Specialist and have thoroughly enjoyed working with both birth parents and adoptive families. I am a Licensed Social Worker and graduated from Kansas State University. I currently spend my time working as an Adoptive Family Specialist where I get to provide support and education to families who are maneuvering through the adoption process. I also enjoy supporting and educating our staff members to ensure that we all provide the best services possible to our clients. I happened upon adoption work right out of college and never could have imagined how much passion I would feel for it. Working at American Adoptions is more than a job for me. So many people have trusted me with their lives and for that it has become a huge part of my life. I consider it an honor to be a part of such a beautiful and amazing process.

E-MAIL: megan@americanadoptions.com

Jennifer Van Gundy - Director of Social Services, LMSW

I have been a member of the American Adoptions team since 2005. I have held several different roles which have allowed me to be a part of many sides of the adoption process, including support for birth parents and adoptive families and home studies and post placements. My current role is Director of Social Services. Through this position I am able to provide guidance and support to our amazing team of Birth Parent Specialists as they work with clients. I also approve home studies and post placements completed by our agency. I have a special heart for adoption as I was adopted as an infant. I was given the most amazing gift when my birth mother chose adoption for me. I feel very lucky and love to share how positive adoption has been in my life.

E-MAIL: jennifer.v@americanadoptions.com

Brighid Titus - Adoption Specialist, LMSW

As a Birth Parent Specialist, my role is to support birth parents through adoption and help them to match with an adoptive family and prepare for the hospital experience. I have my Masterâ€™s Degree in Social Work, and I maintain my LMSW license. Since I began with American Adoptions in 2008, I have done my best to educate birth parents about all aspects of the adoption process as they face this difficult decision. Each adoption is unique and deserves individualized respect and attention. It is so rewarding to work with birth parents as they choose to give their child the very best life. I hope to work with you too!

E-MAIL: brighid.t@americanadoptions.com

Katie House - Adoption Specialist, LPC

Hi, my name is Katie Held, and I am an Adoption Specialist here at American Adoptions. I graduated from Missouri Baptist University with my Master's of Art in Counseling in 2011 and am now a Licensed Professional Counselor. My role is to work with birth parents through their adoption plan and support them during this difficult decision. I provide education about the emotional and personal experience each birth parent will have from getting matched with an adoptive family to their hospital experience. It is an honor to be a part of such an important moment in the lives of the families I work with. It takes a great deal of courage to consider adoption and create a new life for your child. I look forward to helping you!

E-MAIL: katie.e.h@americanadoptions.com

Emily Holihan - Adoption Specialist, LBSW

Hi! My name is Emily Holihan and I am an Adoption Specialist here at American Adoptions. I graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and maintain a Social Work License in the state of Kansas. I gained a better understanding of the heartaches and joys of the process through a loved one’s experience and was inspired to pursue a career in adoptions, and I have never felt more at home. My role is to provide support and help assist birth parents through their journey. This road may have ups and downs and is different for everyone. I will be there to support you every step of the way, just know that you are not alone! I look forward to hearing your story and working with you soon.

E-MAIL: emily.m@americanadoptions.com

Erin Frazier - Adoption Specialist

Hi! My name is Erin Frazier and I am an Adoption Specialist here at American Adoptions. I graduated from the University of Kansas in 2014 with a Master's Degree in Social Work and am a Licensed Master Social Worker. My role is to help you explore and understand what it means to choose adoption and to assist you in creating a plan that is perfect for you and your baby. Adoption has opened my eyes to the courage and selflessness in each of the birth parents that I interact with every day. I understand that adoption can be a challenging and confusing decision to make, and my role is to provide emotional support through the highs and lows of your adoption journey. I admire your strength for contacting us to consider your options and I look forward to working with you!

E-MAIL: erin.f@americanadoptions.com

Rachel Marcy - Adoption Specialist, LPC

Hello! My name is Rachel Marcy and I am an Adoption Specialist here at American Adoptions. I have my Master’s in Counseling from Mid America Nazarene University and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Kansas. My role is to help birth parents navigate the adoption process and help them develop the plan that is best for them and baby. I am there every step of the way to provide education and emotional support as they make this difficult decision. Adoption services are very close to my heart, as two of my family members are birth mothers who chose adoption for their babies. This has given me a greater understanding of what birth mothers go through and how selfless the act of placing a child for adoption is. Adoption can be a very difficult decision and I admire you greatly for considering this choice. I look forward to working with you!

E-MAIL: rachel.m@americanadoptions.com

Laci Leiker - Adoption Specialist, LBSW

Hi! My name is Laci Leiker and I am an Adoption Specialist here at American Adoptions. I graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. I am a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Kansas. My role at the agency is to work with birth parents considering adoption and assist them in creating an adoption plan. I provide support to birth parents during this difficult decision and work hard to ensure their wants and needs are being met. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with so many courageous birth parents and to provide all of the support I can throughout their adoption journey. I admire your strength in considering adoption for your child and look forward to working with you!

E-MAIL: laci.l@americanadoptions.com

Shannon Jesberg - Adoption Specialist, LMSW

Hi! My name is Shannon Jesberg, and I am an Adoption Specialist here at American Adoptions. I graduated from Pittsburg State University with my Bachelor’s in Social Work, and then attended graduate school at the University of Missouri- Kansas City where I received my Masters of Social Work. I am now licensed in both Kansas and Missouri. My role as an Adoption Specialist is to support and advocate for birth parents as they explore adoption and work to develop an adoption plan that is a unique to their needs and preferences. I have seen the joy and opportunity that adoption can bring into a family’s life from personal experience within my own family. I feel very blessed to be able to work in the adoption field, and it is an honor to be a part of this experience with the families that we work with. I admire your bravery in taking this next step, and I look forward to working with you throughout this journey!

E-MAIL: shannon.j@americanadoptions.com

Kelli Cox - Adoptive Family Specialist, LBSW

Hi! My name is Kelli Cox. As an Adoptive Family Specialist, I look forward to assisting families through education and support as they work their way through the adoption process. I am a licensed social worker and have been at American Adoptions since 2005. During my time here I have not only worked with adoptive families, but also with women who were considering adoption for their children and provided them with guidance and support. Adoption is something that is close to my heart as I have three family members that were touched by adoption. It is wonderful to see how much of a blessing adoption can be in lives of each family I work with. I hope to take my experiences and share them with families to make their adoption experience as positive as possible.

E-MAIL: kelli.c@americanadoptions.com

Dacia Peterson - Adoptive Family Specialist, LMSW

My name is Dacia Peterson. I am an Adoption Specialist here at American Adoptions. I graduated from the University of Kansas with a Master’s Degree in Social Work and am a licensed social worker in the state of Kansas. I have worked in adoption for over 10 years now and have experienced adoption from both the state foster care and adoption side and the private adoption side. My role is to provide support and education to adoptive families during the adoption process. I am honored to be part of such an important time in a family’s life. I have found my home here at American Adoptions and love working with such amazing families throughout their adoption journey!

E-MAIL: dacia.p@americanadoptions.com

Melanie Leal - Adoptive Family Specialist, LMSW, LCPAA

Hi! My name is Melanie Leal. As an Adoptive Family Specialist, I enjoy helping families with education and support throughout their adoption journeys. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of North Texas and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Texas. I have worked in the adoption field since 2003 and have worked in several areas of adoption, including home studies, domestic and international adoption, adoption education for families, working with adoptive families, and working with women considering adoption for their children. Several of my family members are adopted and I greatly enjoy using my experience to help adoptive families throughout their adoption experience.

E-MAIL: melanie.l@americanadoptions.com

Lara Sandusky - Adoptive Family Specialist, LSW

My name is Lara Sandusky and I am a Licensed Social Worker and Adoption Specialist in Northwest Arkansas. I obtained my Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington and have spent a majority of my post collegiate years working for or with a child placement agency.
My primary focus is to meet with potential adoptive families, complete home studies, as well as support and guide you through your wonderful adoption journey.
I look forward to meeting you all very soon!

E-MAIL: lara.s@americanadoptions.com

Emily Droge - Adoptive Family Specialist, LBSW

Hello! My name is Emily Droge, and I am an Adoption Specialist here at American Adoptions. I graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelorâ€™s Degree in Social Work, and am now a Licensed Social Worker here in Kansas. My role is to provide support and advocacy for men and women that are exploring and creating adoption plans, and to help guide them through and ensure that all of their needs and expectations are being met. I provide education about the adoption process, and am available for emotional support as well. I have experienced adoption personally in my own family, and have always known that one day I would be blessed with the opportunity of assisting others in their journeys. I am amazed by the strength and courage of each and every birth parent that I work with, and I look forward to working with you in any way that I can!

E-MAIL: emily.d@americanadoptions.com

Justin King - Adoptive Family Coordinator

As a member of our Adoptive Family Department I complete home study reviews for our families before activation. This entails reviewing all home studies done by agencies other than American Adoptions, to ensure their compliance with ICPC standards nationwide and collecting all of the family's supporting documentation for their file. I also coordinate all post placement supervisory visits with both American Adoptions social workers and outside agencies and make sure these are sent to the necessary parties before finalization. If you received a home study through an agency other than American Adoptions and have questions or have any questions about the post placement process, I'm your guy.

E-MAIL: justin.k@americanadoptions.com

Mike Aguilar - Adoptive Family Coordinator

Hi! My name is Michael Aguilar, and I have worked here at American Adoptions since 2006. I understand that choosing a domestic adoption agency can be very overwhelming, and as a result, I truly believe that knowledge is power, especially when it pertains to adoption. Helping couples complete their families is the most rewarding part of my job here at American Adoptions. My role with the agency is not only to provide information and support to potential adoptive families, but more importantly listen to our families and try to meet their needs. I never know what the next day will bring; every family that I talk to is unique, and it is not every day that a person can help influence the outcome of another's life.

E-MAIL: mike.a@americanadoptions.com

Jason Tabuchi - Adoptive Family Coordinator

As an adoptive family coordinator, I assist families with initial guidance about how the adoption process works. I answer any questions they may have and assist with their adoption plan. I am involved in preparing the family for a successful adoption and work closely with them regarding their specific needs. Together with the other coordinators, we give seminars in different locations for prospective adoptive families. I also assist in the accounting department as my background is in finance. I have been with American Adoptions since 2011, and I love working with families on fulfilling their dream of becoming parents!

E-MAIL: jason.t@americanadoptions.com

Wade Morris - Director of Community Resources

I have been with the agency since 1995. I provide education and support to adoptive couples on our adoption policies and procedures and educate adoptive families joining American Adoptions. In addition, I network and market our agency with other adoption professionals and organizations and provide outreach in adoption communities nationwide. Adoption is extremely rewarding, and I enjoy assisting couples in becoming parents. As the years go by, watching these children grow up happy and seeing their progress means the world to me.

E-MAIL: wade.m@americanadoptions.com

Jon Ball - Accountant

Hello, I am the Accountant for American Adoptions, and I have been with the Agency since 2004. I take care of the day-to-day accounting functions of the agency. This includes: paying and monitoring all agency bills, budgeting and forecasting for the agency, preparing our yearly audit for licensing, the tracking and paying of expenses on each birth mother/adoptive family match, and working with hospitals on behalf of the adoptive families to lower medical expenses.

E-MAIL: jon.b@americanadoptions.com

DJ Barnes - Licensing Specialist

I have had the pleasure of being with American adoptions since 2005. Within that time, the knowledge I have accrued has allowed me to work in many areas here at the agency. My primary function is keeping up with the necessary licenses we carry in several states. I also serve as the human resources department where I assist our employees with any HR-related matters. But above all, my favorite task is filing the Interstate Compact of the Placement of Children (ICPC) packet, as it is the final piece of the adoption puzzle. I am known as the â€œstorkâ€ around the office while I am filing ICPC paperwork, because the new family is able to travel home once it is completed. Itâ€™s a wonderful feeling knowing I am playing a part in creating the most beautiful thing ever â€“ family.

E-MAIL: dj.b@americanadoptions.com

Michelle Downard - Birth Parent Peer Support / Birth Mother

My name is Michelle Downard, and I am a birth mother who has been working for American Adoptions since 2003. My primary focus is peer support for all the birth mothers that we work with who want to know that they are not alone and that someone else understands how they feel. I placed my son for adoption in February of 1998. He is the love of my life, and I know that it is because of adoption and his wonderful adoptive family that he has had all of the opportunities and experiences that he has been blessed with. I also handle the pictures and letters here at the agency and love being able to talk with both adoptive couples and birthmothers about their experience and contribute in making in a positive experience for everyone.

E-MAIL: michelle.d@americanadoptions.com

Doreen Ball - Project Coordinator

Hello, I joined American Adoptions May 2012. My duties include receiving incoming calls and directing families and birth parents to their proper representative and/or specialist, assisting the Adoptive Family Department by sending out information packets to adoptive families and assisting with other projects as needed. Adoption has also touched me personally, as I have witnessed it in both my extended family and close friends. I am excited to be working for an organization that brings birth parents and adoptive families together to create forever families.

E-MAIL: doreen.b@americanadoptions.com

Desiree Koudele - Communications Specialist

In 2006, just before my first child turned 1-year-old, I knew the only way I was going to be able to balance my new life as a working mom was if I was using my skills to benefit my biggest passion â€“ family. So, I left my desk as the Editor-in-Chief of a magazine and joined the American Adoptions team. At American Adoptions, I work with families to design their adoptive family print profile and also contribute to our website, marketing materials and other information. I received my degree in Electronic Journalism from Kansas State University in 2000 and have experience in all facets of the media, including radio, television, print and the Internet. Today, I am a mom of two and still enjoy the fact that I am able to combine my love of all things creative along with my passion for family!

E-MAIL: desiree.k@americanadoptions.com

Todd Brace - IT Specialist

Since 2006, I have been working as the agency's IT Specialist. My main duty is developing and maintaining our custom database, software, website and network. But I also manage our office inventory and serve as an all-around fix-it guy.

E-MAIL: todd.b@americanadoptions.com

Cathy Fulks - Adoption Specialist, LMSW

Hi! My name is Cathy and I have been working in the adoption field since 2003. In addition to working with adoptive families, I am also a weekend PRN hospital social worker at Via Christi Hospital in Wichita, Kansas. My favorite part about working with adoptive families is seeing the entire process progress from home study application to the final post placement visit.

E-MAIL: candifulks@aol.com

Alli Garlich - Adoption Specialist, LBSW

Hi! My name is Alli Garlich and I have my degree and license in Social Work and graduated from Colorado State University. I love working with adoptive families here at the agency by providing support and guidance along their adoption journey. I have had a passion for adoption ever since my family adopted my little brother as an infant. He is one of the bright lights in my life and I can't even imagine life without him! Family is one of the most important things in life (in my opinion!) and I love seeing families formed through adoption.

E-MAIL: alligarlich@gmail.com

Kathy Grant - Adoption Specialist, LPC

Hi I'm Kathy and I've been working with American Adoptions since 2004 and it's been a wonderful journey. I am a licensed professional counselor in both Kansas and Missouri, I currently also work in substance abuse treatment and also have a private practice. I love working with prospective adoptive families and find it a very rewarding experience helping families welcome children into their lives.

E-MAIL: kathygrant76@yahoo.com

Molly Gray - Adoption Specialist

Hi, my name is Molly and I have been working with children and families for more than twelve years has been one of my greatest pleasures and honors. From the time I was young girl, I knew my life's work was to help families. I earned my Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Social Work and have worked with children and families ever since. I have worked for American Adoptions since 2005. I thoroughly enjoy getting to know couples and helping them take the beginning steps of the wonderful journey of adoption. However: for me, the true highlight is watching these couples transform into families once they bring their babies home. Witnessing the true love and devotion of adoptive families is, without question, the reason I work in the adoption field.

E-MAIL: mollyhgray19@gmail.com

Marzena Murphy - Adoption Specialist

Hi! My name is Marzena and I have received my Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology and a Masters of Arts degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Mental Health from University in South Florida. I furthered my career by attending Argosy University where in 2007 I obtained an Education Specialist degree. I am also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. My interest in adoption began during my work in the Child Welfare program in the adoptions unit, where my responsibility was to recruit parents to adopt children from foster care. I have continued to expand my love for working with children and assisting families in their dream of having a forevever family by working with American Adoptions of Florida. I began working with American Adoptions in December of 2004. I truly enjoy seeing families becoming parents through the process of adoption.
I have received my Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology and a Masters of Arts degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Mental Health from University in South Florida. I furthered my career by attending Argosy University where in 2007 I obtained an Education Specialist degree. I am also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida.

E-MAIL: marzenamurphy@tampabay.rr.com

Susan Patterson - Adoption Specialist, LCSW

Hi! My name is Susan Patterson and I am a licensed clinical social worker. In 2001, I reunited with my sister, who was placed for adoption years ago. Between this reunification and my years of volunteer work as a Pregnancy Resource Center volunteer, I have been working with American adoptions since 2006 and in the adoption field since 2003.

E-MAIL: savyjane0807@yahoo.com

Joy Quante - Adoption Specialist, LPC

My name is Joy Quante and I graduated with a Masters Degree in Counseling and I am licensed as a Professional Counselor in Missouri. My job for American Adoptions is to help guide perspective parents at the beginning of their adoption journey. Once a child is placed in their home. My job is incredibly rewarding and very special to me. It is an honor to witness the enthusiasm and excitement of adoptive parents as they prepare to welcome a child into their homes and then to be given the privilege to witness the joy on their faces as they welcome a child into their hearts.

E-MAIL: joymq98@gmail.com

Karen Scott - Adoption Specialist, LCSW

Hi! My name is Karen and I am a licensed clinical social worker. I have been a therapist for 25 years, and seven of those were devoted solely to adoption services. Through working with adoptive parents and birth parents, I have experienced the most rewarding work of my career. Adoptive families and birth parents have embody beautiful, unselfish love as well as a devotion to giving children a lifetime of love and security. It is always an honor to work in adoption services.

E-MAIL: karenwscott@sbcglobal.net

Laurie Shelton - Adoption Specialist, BA

Hi! My name is Laurie and for the last 13 years I have had the good fortune of providing a service that both ignites and satisfies my passion to help people achieve a better life. As an Adoption Specialist for attorneys and private agencies, I have supported over 300 birthparents from diverse cultural, economic and social backgrounds, counseling and guiding birthmothers and adopting families, facilitating communication between all parties. Propelled by desire and hope, but grounded by professionalism, I have made a measurable difference in the lives of each member of the adoption triad. I carry with me all my experiences that I have been lucky to share with all my clients on their individual adoption journey's through life.

E-MAIL: laurieshelton@hotmail.com

Jazmin Taylor - Adoption Specialist, LSW

Hi my name is Jazmin Taylor and I am a Licensed Social Worker. I obtained my Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Cedarville in Ohio. I have worked in the social services field on and off since 1997 and in the adoption field since 2006. Since a young age I have had a passion for adoption and working with adoptive families and birth parents. I am a mother of 3 and we were given the blessing of adopting our son Thomas In 2007 when my family moved to Arkansas. As an adoptive parent I have come to admire birth parents and understand the blessing that adoption provides not only to a child, but to an entire family and community. I believe I have found my true calling working in the field of adoption.

E-MAIL: jazmin.taylor@cox.net

Debbie Velcheck - Adoption Specialist, LCSW

My name is Debbie Velcheck and I have a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Social Work, as well as my state licensure in Missouri. I became interested in the field of adoption soon after graduating from college while doing an internship with the State of Missouri. I worked closely with adoptive parents and love a being part of children finding a "forever home". I began working with American Adoptions in 2007, and truly love being a part of the adoption process. I have a niece and an nephew who joined our family by way of adoption, do I hold adoption close to my heart.

E-MAIL: debvelcheck@gmail.com

Sandy Pace - Adoption Specialist

Hi! I'm Sandy and my journey with American Adoptions began eight years ago. My primary role is working with adoptive families and it is an enjoyable adventure learning the stories of families and being a small part of their lives as they fulfill their dream to become parents. Each family is unique and offers wonderful opportunities for their waiting child(ren). One of my other roles is to counsel birthmothers as they make decisions related to placing their baby. My involvement with adoptive families and birth mothers is a fulfilling extension of my experiences as a mother of three children and now grandmother of five. I graduated from Ottawa University at the Phoenix, Arizona branch and earned a Master of Arts in Counseling. As a Licensed Professional Counselor with the State of Arizona I also use my academic and professional skills as a therapist on the medical floor and emergency room at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center

American Adoptions, a private adoption agency founded on the belief that lives of children can be bettered through adoption, provides safe adoption services to children, birth parents and adoptive families by educating, supporting and coordinating necessary services for adoptions throughout the United States. For more information on American Adoptions, please call 1-800-ADOPTION (236-7846)